Tesla unveils Model X, the fastest SUV in history

Tesla unveiled its latest electric car last night, and it’s just as groundbreaking as its existing Model S saloon and Roadster.

The Model X is an all-wheel drive SUV with bags of interior space (it comes in six and seven seat layouts), a raft of safety features and the ability to tow anything that weighs up to 2,270kg, but unlike most family cars it’s also fast. Incredibly fast. The P90D model does 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds in its standard setup, but give it the aptly-named “Ludicrous Speed Upgrade” and it’ll shave that down to 3.2 seconds.

The top speed for both the P90D and the 90D models is 155mph, and they have long ranges too: 250 miles and 257 miles on a full charge respectively.

Elon Musk introduced the new car himself, and made much of its safety features. It’s the first car to come with a medical-grade HEPA filter to make sure the air inside is clean no matter the conditions outside (there’s even a “biohazard mode” that Musk said is usable in “an apocalyptic scenario of some kind”), has a low centre of gravity to reduce the likelihood of rolling over, and always-on active sensors that will automatically engage the brakes if there’s the danger of a collision.

Design-wise, the car’s most eye-catching features are its “Falcon Wing” rear doors, which require only a foot of clearance and offer far more space for movement in and out of the car than traditional doors or minivan-style sliding doors. The Model X also has the largest all glass panoramic windscreen in production, giving everyone inside a wide angle view of the world.

Tesla is yet to release UK pricing, but in the US the Model X P90D will range from US$132,000 (£87,000) to US$144,000 (£95,000), depending on options. The 90D model will be cheaper – just a little more than the Model S saloon – but Tesla hasn’t even confirmed a US price at the time of writing. Both models come with an eight-year unlimited mile warranty.

In any case, if you’re not already on the waiting list and you want a Tesla X, you’re going to have quite a wait in store – Tesla estimates that new reservations won’t be ready until the latter half of 2016.